Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y12a and Y20t are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a range of features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y20t is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance, faster charging, and a more modern processor compared to the Y12a's Snapdragon 439. While the Y12a is a budget option, the Y20t offers a better overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, October 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, October 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Obsidian Black, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2102 | V2129 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Very affordable
- Long battery life (potentially)
- Reverse wired charging
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Lower performance
- Basic camera features
vivo Y20t
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- More versatile camera
- Modern chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Battery life may be marginally shorter
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Y20t might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset, but the difference will be minimal for everyday use. Screen sizes are likely comparable, around 6.5 inches.
Camera Comparison
The Y20t likely has a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and additional features like macro or ultra-wide lenses. While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Y20t should perform better in low-light conditions and offer more creative options.
Performance
This is where the Y20t shines. The Snapdragon 662 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 439. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y20t. The Y12a will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). However, the Y20t's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Y12a's 10W charging. The Y12a might offer slightly better battery life due to the less power-hungry chipset, but the Y20t's faster charging makes up for it.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y12a? Users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and extended battery life. Who should buy the vivo Y20t? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better performance for multitasking and gaming, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y12a good for gaming?
The vivo Y12a is not ideal for gaming. Its chipset struggles with demanding games, resulting in lag and low frame rates. The Y20t offers a much better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have large batteries, the Y12a *might* offer slightly longer battery life due to its less power-hungry chipset. However, the Y20t's faster charging makes it more convenient.
